Radio Frequency Identification System for Mineral Extraction Equipment

ABSTRACT

A system including, a first component of a mineral extraction system, and a first radio frequency identification (RFID) module coupled to the first component, wherein the first RFID module comprises first component data relating to the first component, and first location data relating to a first location of the first component.

BACKGROUND

This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects ofart that may be related to various aspects of the present invention,which are described and/or claimed below. This discussion is believed tobe helpful in providing the reader with background information tofacilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the presentinvention. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statementsare to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

In order to meet the demand for resources such as oil, natural gas, andother subterranean resources companies often invest significant amountsof time and money in searching for and extracting them from the earth.Particularly, once a desired resource is discovered below the surface ofthe earth, drilling and production systems are often employed to accessand extract the resource. Such systems generally include a wellheadassembly through which the resource is extracted and a Christmas treethat controls the flow of fluids into and out of the wellhead. Whenassembled, the tree may couple to the wellhead and include a variety ofvalves, fittings, and controls for operating the well. Unfortunately,existing systems are not effective in managing the various pieces ofequipment and assisting operators in determining their location.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention willbecome better understood when the following detailed description is readwith reference to the accompanying figures in which like charactersrepresent like parts throughout the figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of an asset management systemwith radio frequency identification (RFID) modules and an assetmanagement tool;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a radio frequencyidentification (RFID) module;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a process for managingassets;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a process for communicatingwith active RFID module(s);

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a process for communicatingwith active RFID modules at different frequencies;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a process for communicatingwith each RFID module individually;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a process for mapping thelocation of an RFID module onto an image;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an embodiment of RFID modules wherein blindmodules are communicating with reference modules to determine theirlocation;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an embodiment of RFID modules wherein allthe modules are reference modules;

FIG. 10 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a process using augmentedreality to manage assets;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an embodiment illustrating an assetmanagement tool utilizing augmented reality; and

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an embodiment illustrating an assetmanagement tool utilizing augmented reality.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

One or more specific embodiments of the present invention will bedescribed below. These described embodiments are only exemplary of thepresent invention. Additionally, in an effort to provide a concisedescription of these exemplary embodiments, all features of an actualimplementation may not be described in the specification. It should beappreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation,as in any engineering or design project, numerousimplementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve thedevelopers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related andbusiness-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation toanother. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a developmenteffort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be aroutine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those ofordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.

The embodiments disclosed below include a radio frequency identification(RFID) system for asset management of various flow control equipment,mineral extraction equipment, underwater (e.g., subsea) equipment, oiland gas equipment, or any combination thereof. Although the disclosedembodiments may be used with a variety of equipment, including theequipment noted above, the following discussion presents the RFID systemin context of mineral extraction equipment. Nevertheless, the disclosedembodiments are intended to be used with other equipment, such as theequipment listed above. The RFID system includes an asset managementtool that interacts with various RFID modules, which may include bothactive and passive RFID modules integrated together in a common package,distributed on various equipment. For example, each component of mineralextraction equipment may include one or more RFID modules. The RFIDmodules enable the asset management tool to identify and determineinformation about the equipment through radio wave communications. TheRFID modules may also include a memory for storing information receivedfrom and for information to be transmitted to the asset management tool.

The RFID modules may include an active RFID module and a passive RFIDmodule. The passive RFID modules may enable close range communicationsrelating to individual RFID modules (and corresponding equipment), whilethe active RFID modules may enable communications at a greater distancewith one or more of the RFID modules at the same time. In other words,the RFID system may simultaneously transmit and/or receive transmissionswith a plurality of active RFID modules, thereby managing an entireasset at a distance. The RFID modules may use different radiofrequencies for communication with the asset management tool as well aswith each other. For example, the RFID modules may communicate locationinformation amongst each other at one frequency and communicate with theasset management tool at another frequency. By further example, the RFIDmodules and/or the asset management tool may communicate at a firstfrequency relating to a power control function (e.g., a wakeup functionand/or a sleep function), a second frequency for communicating betweenthe RFID modules and the tool, a third frequency for communicatingdirectly between RFID modules, and/or additional frequencies for otherfunctions.

The active RFID modules enable the asset management tool to identify thelocations of particular pieces of mineral extraction equipment on animage of a mineral extraction system. For example, a still image may beacquired of the mineral extraction equipment, and each component of theequipment in the image may be correlated to a particular RFID module.This is possible, at least in part, due to the ability of the activeRFID modules to communicate information over significant distances. Thisenables an operator to perform a variety of functions including, but notlimited to, acquiring inventory of mineral extraction equipment,identifying equipment needing maintenance, identifying equipment needingvisual inspection, receiving data regarding particular pieces ofequipment, and various other functions, all while at a standoffdistance. In contrast, the passive RFID modules may ensure that anoperator visually inspects or performs maintenance on a mineralextraction component, due to the short transmission distances of passiveRFID.

Furthermore, the embodiments below describe an RFID system that includesan augmented reality system. The augmented reality system is configuredto overlay information onto a real-time image of the mineral extractionsystem. For example, the augmented reality system may overlay symbols,icons, text, menus, or various operator selectable points or regionsonto the real-time image of the real world object (e.g., the mineralextraction system). Thus, an operator can simultaneously view thereal-time image of the mineral extraction system, while also obtaininginformation about the mineral extraction system from the overlaidinformation. In particular, an operator selectable feature may beoverlaid onto each component (corresponding to the RFID tag for thatcomponent) of the mineral extraction system in the real-time image, suchthat the operator can quickly obtain information about each component.In this manner, the augmented reality system enables an operator tocontinuously view the location of RFID modules as the operator changesposition around a mineral extraction system. For example, the augmentedreality may include an imaging system, such as a camera, to acquirevideo or still images as the operator moves around the mineralextraction system. In certain embodiments, the imaging system may beintegrated into a portable device, such as a laptop computer, a tabletcomputer, a smart phone, a personal digital assistant, or anotherprocessor-based device having a camera, a display, a processor, andmemory.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of an asset management system10 with radio frequency identification (RFID) modules 12 and an assetmanagement tool 14. As illustrated, the RFID modules 12 are distributedon a Christmas tree 16 of a mineral extraction system. The Christmastree 16 attaches to a wellhead 17 in order to extract subsurfaceminerals. In particular, the Christmas tree 16 includes various flowcontrol components 18, 20, 22, 24, and 26 (e.g., valves, chokes,fittings, and controls) configured to assist in the extraction of thesubsurface minerals. The valves, chokes, fittings, and controls mayperiodically need servicing, replacement, periodic checkups, and anynumber of other services during the operational life of the well.Furthermore, the valves, chokes, fittings, and controls may need assetmanagement before and/or after deployment at a particular wellhead 17.The asset management system 10 may therefore assist in tracking thelocation of valves, fittings, and controls on the Christmas tree 16. TheChristmas tree may be either a surface tree or a tree located subsea fora subsea well.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, each of the flow control components (e.g.,valves) 18-26 includes a respective RFID module 12. In otherembodiments, the RFID modules 12 may be attached to other pieces ofequipment (e.g., pumps, fittings, controls, and other pieces ofequipment). Each of these RFID modules 12 may include both an activeRFID unit 28 and a passive RFID unit 30. The active and passive RFIDunits 28 and 30 may transmit data to the asset management tool 14 foruse by the asset management system 10. The data may include items suchas location data, power control data, and component data, among others.For example, the data may include historical operational data,historical servicing/maintenance data, model/serial number data, and soforth. By further example, the location data may include absolutelocations of the RFID modules 12 relative to a reference point, relativelocations among the RFID modules 12, geographical locations of the RFIDmodules 12, or any combination thereof.

The asset management tool 14 may include a data acquisition system 32, adata processing system 34, a data mapping system 36, a database 38, adisplay 40, and a user input 42. The data acquisition unit 32 mayfurther include an RFID reader 31, an imaging unit 33, and a globalpositioning system (GPS) 35. The RFID reader 31 receives and transmitsradio frequency signals to/from the RFID modules 12, thus enablingcommunication with the RFID modules 12. The imaging unit 33 images theequipment having the RFID modules 12 with still images and/or videoimages. For example, the imaging unit 33 may be a still camera or videocamera that takes pictures of the Christmas tree 16 with the RFIDmodules 12. The GPS 35 is configured to obtain a geographical locationof the asset management tool 14, such that the geographical location maybe used in combination with relative locations of the RFID modules 12within the Christmas tree 16. In some embodiments, as discussed indetail below, each RFID module 12 also may include a GPS, such that thegeographical location may be obtained for each individual module 12. Insome embodiments, the RFID reader 31, imaging unit 33, and GPS 35 may becombined into a single device or may be physically separate pieces ofequipment.

As the RFID reader 31, imaging unit 33, and GPS 35 receive information,the information is passed onto the data processing system 34. The dataprocessing system 34 may include processors and other electroniccomponents that process the images taken by the imaging unit 33 and datareceived by the RFID reader 31. The processed information is then sentto the data mapping system 36. For example, the processed informationmay include relative physical locations among the RFID modules 12,absolute positions of the RFID modules 12 relative to a reference point(e.g., the tool 14), geographical positions of the RFID modules 12(e.g., GPS positions), or any combination thereof.

The data mapping system 36 receives the processed image and RFID module12 data and then advantageously maps the location of the RFID modules 12onto still image(s) or video. In other words, the relative physicallocations of the RFID modules 12 are used to identify locations of theRFID modules 12 on the image. In addition to mapping the location of theRFID modules onto images, the data mapping system 36 associatesinformation in the database 38 with specific RFID modules 12.

In the illustrated embodiment, the data mapping system 36 include anaugmented reality system 37 configured to overlay various informationonto a real-time image (e.g., video) of the Christmas tree 16. Forexample, as discussed in further detail below, the asset management tool14 may output a real-time image (e.g., video) of the Christmas tree 16via the display 40, and include icons, text, or other indiciarepresenting each RFID module 12 (and thus each component) directly onthe real-time image. In this way, an operator may view the real-timeimage of the Christmas tree 16, and immediately obtain information abouteach RFID module 12. For example, an operator may interact with the userinput 42 (e.g., a touch screen) to select an icon representing aparticular RFID module 12, thereby activating a pop-up window (or othergraphical interface) to access details stored in the RFID module 12and/or the database 38.

The database 38 may store a variety of information either transmittedfrom the RFID modules 12 or previously entered. For example, thedatabase 38 may include location data 44, component data 46, andfrequency data 48. The location data 44 may include relative physicallocations among the RFID modules 12, absolute locations of the RFIDmodules 12 relative to a reference point (e.g., tool 14, reference node,etc.), geographical locations (e.g., GPS locations) of the RFID modules12 and/or the tool 14, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, thelocation data 44 may be any type of location information useful inmapping the RFID modules 12 to the image. Subcategories of the componentdata 46 may include identification data 50, history 52, andspecifications 54. In particular, the identification data 50 may includeunique identifiers, such as model and serial numbers. The history data52 may include historical information, such as maintenance history,performance history, installation dates, and previously brokencomponents, among others. The specifications data 54 may includespecifications for possibly different types of RFID modules 12, theactive RFID units 28, the passives RFID unit 30, flow control components18-26, or other kinds of components that the RFID modules 12 mark forthe asset management tool 14.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the data mapping system 36 sends informationto the display 40. The display 40 accordingly may display the positionof the RFID modules 12 on an image captured by the imaging unit 33, anddisplay information stored on the RFID modules 12 in a table, chart, orother presentation correlated to the image. This enables an operator toquickly identify an asset's position (i.e., a valve, fitting, etc.) aswell as view important information about the asset (e.g., history 52,specifications 54). Finally, the user input 42 enables an operator toupdate, change, and retrieve information in the database 38. While FIG.1 illustrates that the asset management tool 14 may advantageouslyinclude all of the systems 32-36, database 38, display 40, and userinput 42 within a single physical tool, in other embodiments the tool 14may be separated into two or more separate tools. For example, in thecase of a subsea well, the data acquisition system 32 may be located onan underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) that communicatesinformation to a data processing system 34 located at the sea surfaceeither through a hard wire communication connection or other type ofwired or wireless telemetry system.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a radio frequencyidentification (RFID) module 12. The RFID module 12 includes an activeRFID unit 28 and a passive RFID unit 30. The active RFID unit 28 mayinclude an antenna 60, a battery 62, a global positioning system (GPS)64, a microchip 66, and a memory 68. During use, the antenna 60 mayreceive and transmit signals. For example, the antenna 60 may permitcommunication with the asset management tool 14, other RFID modules 12,and GPS satellites. The battery 62 enables the active RFID unit 28 totransmit communications over distances that a passive RFID unit 30cannot. This allows the asset management tool 14 and in particular thedata acquisition unit 32 to communicate with active RFID units 28 at adistance (e.g., 1 to 300 meters, 1-200 meters, 1-100 meters). In someembodiments, the active RFID unit 28 may include GPS capabilities 64.The GPS 64 enables the active RFID unit 28 to determine its location,which may then be transmitted to the asset management tool 14 or toother RFID modules 12 that then use the information to determine theirrespective positions.

The microchip 66 processes incoming and outgoing communications and maycommunicate with the memory 68. The microchip 68 may be an applicationspecific microchip specifically designed for RFID applications or ageneral-purpose microchip. In some embodiments, the microchip 66 mayinclude a memory within the chip 66, rather than communicate with anexternal memory 68.

The memory 68 may store information for transmission to the assetmanagement tool 14 or possibly other RFID modules 12. For example, thememory 68 may include location data 70, component data 72, frequencydata 74, and power control data 76. In particular, the location data 70may be preprogrammed allowing the unit 28 to automatically transmit itslocation to the asset management tool 14, thus eliminating repeateddetermination of its position. The component data 72 may includeidentification data 78, history 80, and specifications 82. As seenabove, the asset management tool 14 may store the same information indatabase 38. Accordingly, the information may be safeguarded throughstorage in both the database 38 of the asset management tool 14 and inthe memory 68 of the active RFID unit 28. The memory 68 may also includefrequency data 74 (i.e., the frequencies that permit communication withand transmission from the active RFID unit 38). For example, thefrequency data 74 may include a first frequency for communication withthe tool 14, a second frequency to communicate with other RFID modules12, and so forth. Finally, the memory 68 may include power control data76. The power control data 76 may be used by the microchip 66 to preventoverconsumption of the battery 62. For example, the power control data76 may include power saving information to reduce power consumption byshutting down unnecessary functions while not in use.

Similar to the active RFID unit 28, the passive RFID unit 30 includes anantenna 84, microchip 86, and memory 88. The antenna 84 permitsreception and transmission of communications. The microchip 86 processesthe incoming and outgoing communications. The memory 88 may includelocation data 90, component data 92, and frequency data 94. Componentdata 92 may include identification data 96, history data 98, andspecification data 100. This information is similar to that discussedwith respect to the active RFID unit memory 68 and may provide asafeguard for the storage of information. In some embodiments, thepassive RFID unit 30 and the active RFID unit 28 may be connected with acommunication line 102. In certain embodiments, the active and passiveRFID units 28 and 30 may share one or more features, such as themicrochip and/or memory.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a process 120 for managingassets of a mineral extraction system using the systems of FIGS. 1 and2. The process 120 begins by transmitting a first communication from theRFID reader 31 to RFID module(s) 12 disposed on mineral extractioncomponent(s). This first communication may wakeup RFID modules 12 or maybe a request for information stored by the RFID module 12. The process120 continues with a transmission of a second communication (e.g.,component data and location data) from RFID module(s) 12 to the RFIDreader 31. The RFID reader 31 receives the second communication andpasses this information onto the data processing system 34 and datamapping system 36. These systems 34 and 36 then perform the third step126 of processing the component data and location data acquired by theRFID reader 31. After processing the data, the process 120 transitionsinto the fourth step 128 of storing component data and location data ofthe RFID module(s) 12. For example, the data may be stored in thedatabase 38. In the fifth step 130, a display 40 displays an imagehaving location(s) of the RFID module(s) 12 mapped relative to themineral extraction component(s). By mapping the RFID module(s) 12relative to the mineral extraction component(s), an operator is able todetermine the real world position of the mineral extraction component(s)by looking at an image. Accordingly, an operator may rapidly locatewhich mineral extraction component needs maintenance, replacement,visual inspection, or another service. After displaying the image, theprocess 120 moves to the sixth step 132 wherein the RFID reader 31transmits a third communication (e.g., update/new data) to the RFIDmodule(s) 12. In other words the RFID reader 31 may update the memories68 and 88 of the RFID module 12 with additional information (i.e.,service date, components changed out, etc.) or the third communicationmay perform another kind function (i.e., turn off RFID modules 12,change frequency, among other functions).

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a process 150 forcommunicating with active RFID module(s) 12 using the systems of FIGS. 1and 2. The process 150 begins with step one 152 by transmitting a firstcommunication from the RFID reader 31 to active RFID unit(s) 28 disposedon mineral extraction component(s). In the second step 154, the activeRFID unit(s) 28 wake in response to the first communication from theRFID reader 31. In order words, the active units 28 turn-on enabling thetransmission and reception of information. In the third step 156, theactive RFID unit(s) 28 transmit a second communication (e.g., componentdata and location data) from active RFID unit(s) 28 to the RFID reader31. After receiving the second communication 156, the RFID reader 31performs step four 158 wherein it transmits a third communication (e.g.,update/new data) to the active RFID unit(s) 28. As explained previously,the updates and new data may include information such as service dates,components changed, components serviced, among others. The final step160 in process 150 involves transmitting a fourth communication from theRFID reader 31 to active RFID unit(s) 28 to shut down active RFIDunit(s) 28.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a process 170 forcommunicating with active RFID units 28 at different frequencies usingthe systems of FIGS. 1 and 2. In the first step 172, the process 170begins by waking active RFID units 28 with a communication at a firstfrequency. In step two 174, the active RFID units 28 communicate witheach other at a second frequency. For example, the active RFID units 28may communicate with one another in order to determine their locationsor to exchange some other kind of information. The third step 176involves the RFID reader 31 communicating with the active RFID units 28at a third frequency. In the final step 178, the active RFID units 28are shutdown at a fourth frequency. For example, the RFID reader maytransmit a communication at a fourth frequency that signals the units 28to turn-off.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a process 200 forcommunicating with each RFID module 12 individually using the systems ofFIGS. 1 and 2. The process 200 begins with step one 202 by waking anactive RFID unit (N) with communication at frequency (I). As illustratedin block 204, all values are initially set to one. In other words, theprocess 200 begins by waking a first unit N at a first frequency I. Inthe second step 206, the RFID reader 31 communicates with the activeRFID unit N at a frequency J. While communicating on frequency J, thereader 31 and active RFID unit N may pass information (e.g., locationdata, identification data, among others). In the third step 208, theactive RFID unit N is shutdown with a communication at frequency K.After shutting down active RFID unit N, the process 200 enters adecision point 210. The decision point 210 enables the system todetermine whether there are additional RFID units to communicate with.If there are no additional RFID units to be communicated with, theprocess ends at block 212. If there are additional units, then theprocess 200 changes the frequencies and the active RFID unit, asillustrated in block 214. Once the values for I, J, K, and N change,then the process 200 repeats steps 202, 206, 208, and 210 until thereare no more units to communicate with. Thus, in the process 200, eachRFID unit has one or more unique communication frequencies, which aredifferent than the other RFID units. In this manner, the differentfrequencies may enable individual communications with specific RFIDunits without waking or interfering with all other RFID units.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a process 230 for mapping thelocation of an RFID module 12 onto an image using the systems of FIGS. 1and 2. The process 230 begins by acquiring an image (e.g., still imageor video image of a mineral extraction system) as indicated by block232. After acquiring the image 232, the process 230 acquires data (e.g.,unique identification and/or location data) from a plurality of RFIDmodules 12 disposed on components of the mineral extraction system asindicated by block 234. With the image and data, the process 230proceeds to step three 236, which maps the location of each RFID module12 on the image of the mineral extraction system. In step four 238, theprocess 230 stores the map data correlating map locations of RFIDmodules 12 with the image. In some embodiments, the mapped location ofthe RFID module on the image may not correctly correspond with itsactual position on the mineral extraction system. In these situations,the process 230 may include an additional step five 240 wherein theoperator manually updates each RFID module with the correct maplocation. However, in certain embodiments, the correct map location maybe automatically acquired from memory and/or a GPS of each RFID module.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a system 258 with blindRFID modules (nodes) 260 and reference RFID modules (nodes) 262communicating with each other. As illustrated, the modules 260 and 262are able to transmit and receive signals 264. The signals 264 enable theblind modules 260 to determine their location by sending to andreceiving signals from the reference modules 262. In other words, theblind modules 260 do not know their positions, but the reference modules262 know their positions (e.g., preprogrammed with location informationor may include GPS functionality). Accordingly, when the blind modules260 send to and receive signals from the reference modules 262, theblind nodes 260 may determine their position (e.g., by triangulation).In some embodiments, the RFID reader 268 may include GPS functionalityand accordingly function as a reference module that assists the blindmodules 260 in determining their location.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a system 278 with RFID modules 280, each ofwhich knows its position (i.e., reference modules). Accordingly, themodules 280 may all communicate their position to the reader 282 withoutany need for triangulation with other modules 280. The modules 280 mayknow their position through preprogramming or GPS functionality.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a process 300 usingaugmented reality to manage assets, such as mineral extractionequipment. Step one 302 of process 300 involves acquiring an image(e.g., still image or video image) of a mineral extraction system. Instep two 304, the process 300 acquires data (e.g., component data) froma plurality of RFID modules 12 disposed on components of the mineralextraction system. The image and acquired data is then used in stepthree 306 to display an image with each RFID module 12 mapped on theimage. In other words, each RFID module 12 mapped on the image isassociated with a specific piece of equipment in the mineral extractionsystem. Step four 308 then enables user selection of each RFID module(e.g., user selectable icon) on the image to access data about thespecific piece of equipment in the mineral extraction system associatedwith the RFID module 12. For example, a different portion of the imagemay change colors or become active as an operator moves a cursor acrossthe image on a display, thereby enabling the operator to select thatportion of the image associated with a particular RFID module. In anaugmented reality process 300, the operator may change their location atdecision point 310 with the process 300 automatically repeating steps302, 304, and 306. In other words, process 300 allows an operator tocontinuously change their position during which the image automaticallyadjusts and the RFID modules are remapped on the image. This enables anoperator to recognize the position of equipment in the mineralextraction system regardless of their position relative to the system.Furthermore, the process 300 enables an operator to select the icon (orother operator selectable indicia) associated with the piece ofequipment while viewing the image, to either update or access data aboutthat specific piece of equipment.

FIG. 11 is a schematic of an embodiment of an asset management tool 320utilizing augmented reality. In other words, the tool 320 may bedescribed as an augmented reality asset management tool or system. Thetool 320 includes a frame 322, display 324, camera 326, antenna 328, GPS330, memory 332, and processor 334. As illustrated, the frame 322surrounds the display 324. In certain embodiments, the display 324 maybe a touch screen, thus enabling a user to interact with the display324. The camera 326 may be a still camera and/or a video camera enablingthe operator to captures images 335 of mineral extraction systems fordisplay on the display 324. As seen in FIG. 11, the display currentlyshows an image 335 (e.g., a real-time image) of a mineral extractionsystem 336 (e.g., a Christmas tree). The mineral extraction system 336includes valves 338 and RFID modules represented by icons 340.

As explained above, the RFID modules 340 may transmit data includingidentification and location data. The antenna 328 receives this data andpasses it on to the processor 334. The processor 334 may then take thisinformation and map it onto the images 335 taken by the camera 326. Inthis manner, the tool 320 correlates the images 335 with the datareceived from the RFID modules 340, thus enabling an operator toidentify specific components (e.g., valves 338) of the mineralextraction system 336 in the image 335. During use, the operator mayoperate a user input device to move a cursor 342 over the icons 340(e.g., overlaid information). The processor 334 may then automaticallycause a popup window 344 (e.g., overlaid information) to appear when thecursor passes over an icon 340. The popup window 344 may showinformation (e.g., type of valve, installation date, service dates andtypes, problems experienced, etc.) retrieved from the memory 332 or fromthe RFID module associated with that piece of equipment. In otherembodiments, the processor 334 may wait for the user to select thespecific icon before displaying the popup window.

In the illustrated embodiment, the tool 320 uses augmented reality, andthus may enable the operator to view the image 335 and overlaidinformation (e.g., icons 340 and windows 344) in real-time. Accordingly,as the operator moves the tool 320 to change the point of view of thecamera 326, the image 335 changes in real-time to depict the currentpoint of view of the operator, and simultaneously updates the mapping ofthe RFID modules 340 and associated overlaid information (e.g., icons340 and windows 344) in real-time. In this manner, the operator canexperience the real world having the mineral extraction system 336 alongwith the overlaid information in real-time, thereby enabling theoperator to quickly obtain information about the system 336. Asdiscussed above, the asset management tool 320 may be separated into twoor more separate tools. For example, in the case of a subsea well, thedata acquisition system 332 may be located on an underwater remotelyoperated vehicle (ROV) that communicates information to a dataprocessing system 334 located at the sea surface either through a hardwire communication connection or other type of wired or wirelesstelemetry system. The ROV may be equipped with appropriate imagingequipment to provide the images for the augmented reality capabilities.

FIG. 12 is a schematic of an embodiment illustrating the assetmanagement tool 320 using augmented reality. In particular, FIG. 12 isthe same as FIG. 11 except that the image 335 has changed its point ofview slightly (i.e., rotated 90 degrees). As illustrated, the tool 320continues to show the mineral extraction system 336 with the RFIDmodules 340 and valves 338. Indeed, as the operator moves around themineral extraction system 336, the GPS 330 tracks the position of tool320 while the camera 326 sends updated images 335 to the processor 334.Simultaneously, the antenna 328 receives location and identificationdata from the RFID modules 340. The processor 334 processes and combinesthe changing image data with the identification and location data andupdates the image 335 on the display 324. In this manner, the tool 320provides the operator an understanding of where equipment is located andthe necessary information to manage the equipment.

While the invention may be susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way ofexample in the drawings and have been described in detail herein.However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended tobe limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention isto cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling withinthe spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the followingappended claims.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A method for monitoring a component of a mineralextraction system, the method comprising: coupling a radio frequencyidentification (“RFID”) module to the component; storing component datarelating to the component in the RFID module; storing location datarelating to a location of the component relative to the mineralextraction system in the RFID module; transmitting a communication fromthe RFID module to a RFID reader, the communication comprising thecomponent data and location data; and mapping the location of thecomponent on a real-time image of the mineral extraction system basedupon the location.
 22. The method of claim 1, further comprisingtransmitting a communication from the RFID reader to the RFID module.23. The method of claim 2, wherein the RFID module comprises an activeRFID unit and a passive RFID unit.
 24. The method of claim 3, whereinthe passive RFID unit is directly coupled to the active RFID unit. 25.The method of claim 2, wherein the RFID module comprises an active RFIDunit having a battery and a power control feature, further comprisingconserving energy in the battery via the power control feature.
 26. Themethod of claim 5, further comprising powering up the active RFID unitin response to the communication from the RFID reader to the RFIDmodule.
 27. The method of claim 6, further comprising powering down theactive RFID unit in response to another communication from the RFIDreader to the RFID module.
 28. The method of claim 7, wherein thecommunication comprises a communication frequency and the othercommunication comprises another communication frequency different fromthe communication frequency.
 29. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising storing the component data and location data on an assetmanagement system.
 30. The method of claim 1, further comprisinggenerating the location data relating to the location of the componentwith a global positioning system (“GPS”) in the RFID module.
 31. Amethod for monitoring components of a mineral extraction system, themethod comprising: providing a plurality of radio frequencyidentification (“RFID”) modules on the components; acquiring componentdata and location data relating from the plurality of RFID modules via adata acquisition system comprising at least one RFID reader configuredto simultaneously communicate with the plurality of RFID modules toacquire the component data and the location data; and mapping thelocations of the plurality of RFID modules on a real-time imagine of themineral extraction system via a data mapping system comprising anaugmented reality system configured to map locations of the plurality ofRFID modules on the image of the mineral extraction system in real-time.32. The system of claim 11, wherein the data mapping system and/or atleast one of the RFID modules comprises a global positioning system(“GPS”).
 33. A method for monitoring a component of a mineral extractionsystem, the method comprising: coupling a radio frequency identification(“RFID”) module comprising an active RFID unit to the component;transmitting a first communication from a RFID reader to the active RFIDunit; waking the active RFID unit in response to the firstcommunication; transmitting a second communication from the active RFIDunit to the RFID reader, the second communication comprising componentdata relating to the component and location data relating to a locationof the component relative to the mineral extraction system; andtransmitting a third communication from the RFID reader to the activeRFID unit to shut down the active RFID unit.
 34. The method of claim 13,further comprising mapping the location of the component on a real-timeimage of the mineral extraction system based upon the location data viaan asset management system.